I learned that injuries heal in their own time and so signing up for races far in the future because "of course I'll be better by then" is a surefire way to lose a lot of money in non-refundable race fees for races you can't do after all.

I learned that more than minimal swim training leads to such diminishing returns that it's not worth it for me. I'm better off just running and riding more with that time at least right now.

I've learned that I'm mentally tougher than a lot of people who are more fit than me and that sometimes that's more important when it comes to race results.

Oh and that being unemployed so you can train as much as you want is not all it's cracked up to be.

Ridgelake - 2011-12-30 4:09 PM I've learned to be more philosophical about tris. Take things more in stride. Go with the flow. Step back and realize that this is a hobby. A luxury. That there are very, very few people who do this to feed their families. That I do tris to reduce stress in my life, not add stress. It really puts things into perspective.

learned: sign up for any contest that runs for free things you always have a chance.

I signed up for a free chance to win a FELT bike. Won it. I signe dup for ford ironman training team for free by writing an essay. Turned that essay winner into being featured by NBC in the Ironman broadcast this year.